The Joy Challenge – Week 4

The Joy Challenge – Week 4

“The Joy Challenge”

This is week 4, of a 5 week video devotional series by Kerry Shook.

Joy Challenge – August 12, 2024

Day #16 Devotional

Devotional

“Always be filled with joy in the Lord. I will say it again. Be filled with joy.”
Philippians 4:4 (ETRV)

Radical joy is the kind of joy that remains despite the circumstances of life, good or bad. And the Bible says that we can always be filled with that kind of joy. The challenge comes when we experience the inevitable struggles of life. Yesterday, we covered the first two Biblical truths that enable us to experience radical joy. When struggles threaten to drain your joy tank remember that God cares about what you’re going through and wants to lovingly comfort you. 2 Corinthians 1:4a (NLT) says that God comforts us in all our troubles. That’s the first truth. The second is that nothing can take what really matters when we know Jesus.

Here are the final two reasons we can experience radical joy no matter what happens:

3.    God can use our struggles for our good.

James wrote to Jewish believers who had been scattered throughout the Roman empire because of persecution. Despite their intense struggle, he found opportunity for joy. He wrote to encourage them that God was using their struggles to help them grow. In James 1:2-4 (NIV) he says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” That’s radical joy!

4.    The joy of heaven puts everything into perspective.

Radical joy requires a radical faith that looks beyond the here and now and sees life through the lenses of eternity. When you consider the real but temporary pain or loss in perspective to the next 10 million years of joyful celebration in heaven, you understand how the apostle Paul could write, “That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our inner strength in the Lord is growing every day. These troubles and sufferings of ours are, after all, quite small and won’t last very long. Yet this short time of distress will result in God’s richest blessing upon us forever and ever! So we do not look at what we can see right now, the troubles all around us, but we look forward to the joys in heaven which we have not yet seen. The troubles will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (TLB)

And he wasn’t the only New Testament writer with such an eternal heavenward perspective.  I love the way the Living Bible paraphrases what Peter writes to the Jewish Christians driven out of Jerusalem and scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia Minor, and Bithynia. You’ll find his challenge for radical joy in 1 Peter 1:1-6 where he writes these encouraging words of the eternal joy of heaven.

“Dear friends, God the Father chose you long ago and knew you would become His children. And the Holy Spirit has been at work in your hearts, cleansing you with the blood of Jesus Christ and making you to please Him. May God bless you richly and grant you increasing freedom from all anxiety and fear. All honor to God, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; for it is His boundless mercy that has given us the privilege of being born again so that we are now members of God’s own family. Now we live in the hope of eternal life because Christ rose again from the dead. And God has reserved for His children the priceless gift of eternal life; it is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And God, in His mighty power, will make sure that you get there safely to receive it because you are trusting Him. It will be yours in that coming last day for all to see. So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here.”

Has the going been rough for you lately? Radical joy doesn’t deny the reality of sorrow and suffering. They’re real and painful. Radical joy enables us to always be full of joy because our joy is in the Lord. We find our joy in the One who comforts us in all our sorrows with the confidence that nothing can take away what really matters. It’s a joy that even transcends our troubles and sees God at work making us complete in Him with the anticipation of heaven one day! Ask God to fill you today with His radical joy!

Joy Challenge – August 13, 2024

Day #17 Devotional

Devotional

“See, God has come to save me! I will trust and not be afraid, for the Lord is my strength and song; He is my salvation. Oh, the joy of drinking deeply from the Fountain of Salvation!”
Isaiah 12:2-3 (TLB)

Have you ever wondered what salvation really is? While some may treat salvation like an eternal life insurance policy to pull out on judgment day, salvation is so much more. Salvation is more than sins forgiven and a home in heaven. The truth is, salvation is not so much about getting you and me out of hell and into heaven one day, as it is getting God out of heaven and into us today! This is the sheer joy of salvation that Isaiah speaks of in Isaiah 12. In verses two and three He writes, “See, God has come to save me! I will trust and not be afraid, for the Lord is my strength and song; He is my salvation. Oh the joy of drinking deeply from the Fountain of Salvation!”

Did you notice that Isaiah didn’t separate salvation as something God did from who God is? Isaiah said, “God is my salvation!” When God came to save him, He became for Isaiah: salvation! That’s exactly what God did in Christ. Jesus told a lost and broken chief tax collector, named, Zacchaeus, that He came to seek and to save those who were lost in Luke 19:10. As a chief tax collector, Zacchaeus had all this world could afford him. He was rich but he was lost and broken spiritually. He knew something was missing in his life. When he heard about Jesus, he went out on a limb to meet Him! It’s really kind of a humorous story. Being a short guy, Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree just to see Jesus pass by. I can’t help but think Jesus snickered when He saw this little tax collector up in that tree. The Living Bible paraphrases what happened in Luke 19:5-6; “When Jesus came by, He looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name! ‘Zacchaeus!’ he said. ‘Quick! Come down! For I am going to be a guest in your home today!’ Zacchaeus hurriedly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy.”  

If you know the story, you know that Zacchaeus gave his life to Christ with demonstrable faith!  Verse eight tells us he gave half his wealth to the poor and repaid those he cheated with four times as much! Nowhere in the story does it say that Jesus told him to do that! In verse nine, Jesus said, “Salvation has come to this house today!” (TEV) Zacchaeus didn’t buy his salvation. It was the response of a changed life! Having met Jesus, his life would never ever be the same again! Just as with Isaiah, Zacchaeus experienced the sheer joy of drinking deeply from the Fountain of Salvation! Have you? The phrase in Hebrew for joy and gladness means “deep joy.” It’s a pervasive joy that penetrates your whole being, body, soul, and spirit! When you drink from that fountain that never runs dry, you’re never the same! Jesus is the Living Water that quenches our deepest thirst! Nothing in this life can ever satisfy the soul of man like Jesus! That’s why Zacchaeus could release this world’s wealth. God had come to save him! He had a new life, the very life of Jesus, to share each and every day here and now on his way to heaven!

Have you experienced that life? John tells us in 1 John 5:11-12 (NLT), “And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.” When you receive the Son, Jesus, you have eternal life! This is salvation – God, the Creator, restored in His creature, man, making him a new creation in Christ! He is our salvation! If you don’t have the Son, you don’t have life. You may be physically alive, but you are spiritually dead, as dead as Zacchaeus was. Open your heart to Jesus and invite Him to take control of your life. Experience the joy of drinking deeply from that fountain of salvation! You’ll never be the same again! Listen to the invitation of Isaiah, “Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink – even if you have no money! … it’s all free!” Isaiah 55:1 (NLT)

Joy Challenge – August 14, 2024

Day #18 Devotional

Devotional

“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!”
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NLT)

Yesterday we looked at the joy of our salvation and discovered a greater understanding of what Biblical salvation really is that brings us so much joy. Isaiah declared that “God is my salvation.” in Isaiah 12:2. That means that salvation is who God is rather than some external gift He offers. Habakkuk understood this and it brought him through a very difficult time. He said, “Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!” Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NLT)

When we understand that God is our salvation, we find our joy in Him, not just what He does, but in who He is. Anybody can be happy when good things happen, but how often do we experience joy in hard times, when bad things happen? That’s what Habakkuk experienced because his joy was in the LORD.

The other thing I find striking in this passage is when Habakkuk said, “I WILL be joyful in the God of my salvation!” Notice the word “will.” He had a choice, didn’t he? Habakkuk chose joy! You and I can too, even when we go through tough times.

If you look at that verse again, you’ll discover another insight as well. Habakkuk’s joy wasn’t in the failure of his fig trees to blossom, or his vines failing to produce grapes, or the failure of his olive crop, or that his fields were empty and barren and his flocks were dying and his cattle barns were empty. Who would be joyful about that? He certainly wasn’t denying the reality of his misfortune. Here was a guy with the most diversified portfolio. Surely all his investments wouldn’t tank at the same time, but they did. Maybe you can relate. You’re 401K has become a 201K and the retirement years you were dreaming about have shattered. Take heart and choose joy. Like Habakkuk, make the choice – make your declaration of joy. Say it out loud, “I WILL be joyful IN THE GOD OF MY SALVATION!” You may want to say that again a little louder. One more time like you mean it.

What’s the point? Like my friend Pastor Rick Warren said, “When everything else stinks in life, you can be joyful because the Lord is your Savior. He will pull you out. You are not alone. He hasn’t abandoned you.” Rather than focusing on what’s lost. Look at what’s left and choose joy! All that other stuff is temporary. Those are just resources God uses in our lives. He alone is our true source! God is our salvation! He will make a way. Don’t wait till then to choose joy. When you choose joy, even before God makes a way, your faith will grow stronger!  

 

Joy Challenge – August 15, 2024

Day #19 Devotional

Devotional

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:6-8 (NIV)

Congratulations, you’re more than halfway through The Joy Challenge! Way to go! I hope these weekly teachings have encouraged you to choose joy each day. If we’re honest, though, choosing joy is a challenge. There are so many killjoys out there, from negative and critical people to uncontrollable circumstances. We may not be able to control what happens to us, but we can control our response to them and keep them from stealing our joy. In his letter of joy to the Philippians, the apostle Paul offers us four ways to keep our joy. You’ll find them in Philippians 4:6-8 (NIV) where he writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer, and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Let’s see if we can dive deeper into this passage and discover four ways we can always be joyful! We’ll cover the first two today and the final two tomorrow.

First, “Do not be anxious about anything….” Another translation says, “Don’t worry about anything.”  Worry is a killjoy. It will drain your joy tank and leave you feeling anxious and afraid. In order to not worry, I need to identify what it is that is making me anxious. What do you worry the most about? If you’ve ever watched Dr. Phil on television you probably laugh out loud when he offers counsel to some poor soul that is trapped in self-destructive behavior and doesn’t know what to do. That’s when Dr. Phil looks right into his eyes and with a shout, says, “JUST STOP IT!” If you’re hitting your head against a wall and it hurts, quit doing it! Remember the definition of insanity? It’s doing the same thing while expecting different results. If you want to keep your joy, you must stop worrying. I know that’s easier said than done as I have struggled with anxiety in my own life. If Paul left his counsel with just don’t do it, we would have a command without the capacity to carry it out. That leads us to his second way to keep our joy.

Second, “… in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” I like the way the New Living Translation puts this second step: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.” What is it you can pray about? EVERYTHING! There’s nothing too big for God’s power to handle or too small for His concern. If it’s big enough for you to worry about, it’s big enough to pray about. I can never let my worries go if I don’t give them to God in prayer. Let Him worry about it. Like the guy who was known as the town worrywart. This guy worried about everything and if he didn’t have a worry, he would worry about that! Finally, people began to notice that he seemed different, carefree and joyful. He wasn’t worrying! When asked how he did it, he told them he sold all his worries for $10,000.00 to the town beggar. Someone quickly reminded him that he didn’t have $10,000.00 to which he responded, “Well that’ll be his worry won’t it?” You don’t need to sell your worries, you just need to give them to God in prayer. 

If you want to keep your joy, practice these first two ways that Paul gives us in Philippians 4:6 (NLT), “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything!” Tomorrow we’ll look at the other two ways Paul says will enable us to keep our joy no matter what happens.

Joy Challenge – August 16, 2024

Day #20 Devotional

Devotional

“Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:6-8 (TEV/NIV)

In Philippians 4 verses 6 through 8, the Apostle Paul offers us four ways we can always be joyful! Yesterday we looked at the first two in verses 6 and 7. The first one was, “Don’t worry about anything.” And the second, “Instead, pray about everything!” I love the way God replaces a negative, worry, with a positive, pray!  Prayer brings me into the presence of God where there is fullness of joy! It shifts our focus from how big our problem is to how much bigger God is! Once our focus is on Him, our joy is restored!  Where has your focus been? Have you practiced taking all your worries to God in prayer? Have you noticed a change in your perspective? In your attitude? In your joy tank? Way to go! Keep focusing on God and you’ll never lose your joy!  One way to do that in prayer is found in the third principle Paul gives in Philippians 4:6.  

Third, “… in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart.” Philippians 4:6b (TEV) When you ask God for what you need you are presenting your requests to God. Paul said to do this with thanksgiving. Nothing will release your worries and free you up to experience the joy of the Lord quite like a thankful heart. Thank Him that He is bigger than your worries. Thank Him for using this opportunity in your life to show Himself mighty on your behalf. Thank Him in advance for supplying all your needs. Soon joy will replace the anxiety you were feeling with God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding. Paul said, “God’s peace will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.” Wow! Talk about joy!  A grateful heart that gives thanks is key to lasting joy!

Fourth, this principle is found in verse 8 where Paul writes, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthythink about such things.” Here are eight qualities to think about that will replace worry in your life protecting your joy. Because you really can’t think about two things at once, he says to focus your thoughts on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. Remember, joy is a focus and not a feeling. As you focus your mind to think about these things, you’ll keep your joy in the Lord! 

You can keep your joy even when The Joy Challenge is over. When people and circumstances threaten to drain your joy tank, it’s time to take action. Stop worrying, start praying, give thanks in all things and think about the right things. Be intentional! God will honor your faith and guard your joy! In verse 9, Paul concludes by telling us to put these things we’ve learned into practice. I can’t think of a better time to begin than now. Practice these four principles and see what happens to your joy.

If you missed one or more days in a previous week, just select the week below and you can catch up.

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3